Hello, I'm an expert in linguistics and I'm here to help you understand the intricacies of language, including the concept of predicate adjectives.
Predicate adjectives are a fascinating aspect of English grammar. They are used to describe the subject of a sentence in more detail. Let's delve into this topic and explore some examples to better understand how they work.
Predicate Adjective Definition
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies the subject of the sentence. It is called a "predicate" because it is part of the predicate, which is the part of the sentence that contains the verb and expresses what is said about the subject. Predicate adjectives are often used after linking verbs such as "to be" (am, is, are, was, were), "to seem," "to become," "to feel," "to get," "to look," etc.
How Does It Work?
When a linking verb is used, it serves as a connector between the subject and the predicate adjective. The linking verb doesn't express an action but rather a state of being or a change in state. The predicate adjective then describes the subject in relation to this state of being.
For example, in the sentence "She is happy," the word "happy" is a predicate adjective. It follows the linking verb "is" and describes the subject "she" in the state of being happy.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
Let's look at some more examples to see predicate adjectives in action:
1. The weather became chilly after sunset.
2. The soup smells delicious.
3. The color of the sky turned red at sunset.
4. His voice sounded hoarse after the long lecture.
5. The flowers in the garden looked beautiful in the morning sun.
6. The book feels heavy in my hands.
7. The idea seemed interesting at first, but then it lost its appeal.
8. The room appeared empty when we arrived.
9. The cake tastes sweet.
10. The children became excited when they saw the presents.
In each of these sentences, the bolded word is a predicate adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject in a particular state or condition.
Contrast with Attributive Adjectives
It's important to distinguish predicate adjectives from attributive adjectives. Attributive adjectives modify a noun and usually come before the noun they modify. For example, in the phrase "a red car," "red" is an attributive adjective because it modifies the noun "car."
Function in Sentences
Predicate adjectives serve several functions in sentences:
- They provide additional information about the subject.
- They can express a change in state or condition.
- They can convey the speaker's feelings or opinions about the subject.
- They can describe the subject's qualities or characteristics.
Common Linking Verbs
Some common linking verbs that are often used with predicate adjectives include:
- To be (am, is, are, was, were)
- To become
- To feel
- To get
- To grow
- To look
- To seem
- To smell
- To sound
- To taste
- To turn
These verbs help to connect the subject to the predicate adjective, creating a complete thought or idea.
Conclusion
Understanding predicate adjectives is crucial for mastering English grammar and enhancing your ability to express complex ideas. They add depth to sentences and allow for a more nuanced description of the subject. By recognizing the role of linking verbs and the function of predicate adjectives, you can improve your writing and communication skills.
Now, let's move on to the translation of the explanation into Chinese.

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(with Examples) A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (i.e., refers back to) the subject of the linking verb. A predicate adjective contrasts with an attributive adjective, which typically sits immediately before the noun it modifies.read more >>